There are only a few days each year that feel like a true doorway. New Year’s Eve is one of them.

We stand between what was and what’s yet to be. Between our past and our potential. Between a year filled with memories and a year filled with possibility.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love this time of year because it’s a time to reflect. We get to pause and consider what we learned in the last year, and what we want to carry forward.

The goal isn’t to control the future. That’s not possible. It’s to meet it with intention. We’re not trying to predict what’s coming. We’re choosing how we want to show up, through both challenge and triumph.

So today, instead of rushing into the new year, I want to offer you a moment to pause. Twelve journal questions to help you reflect on 2025, and to choose how you want to show up in 2026.

No need to answer these perfectly. Just answer them honestly, from your heart.

No need to answer all of them. Just choose what resonates.

If it feels right, light a candle tonight. Write down one thing you’re grateful for, and one intention you want to carry into 2026.

You don’t need to share it. You don’t need to perfect it. Just name it.

May you step into the new year with intention. And may hope meet you there.

To 2026, with love,
Jay

Throughout the year, we partner with brands that support intentional living and personal growth. As we step into the New Year, we’re highlighting a few favorites that align with fresh starts, meaningful habits, and the intentions we carry forward.

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I recently sat down with mindset coach Rob Dial, host of The Mindset Mentor podcast. And guess what we talked about? You guessed it: real, practical ways to build a mindset that sets you up for success.

One thing Rob said really stuck with me. He believes discipline is one of the purest forms of self-love. And if we want success in the new year, we don’t need to commit to everything… we need to commit to one thing.

He also shared that the most successful people are rarely the smartest. They’re the most devoted. They’re the ones who are relentlessly passionate about their “one thing.”

For everyone who’s feeling excited to approach 2026 with gusto, this episode will give you a solid dose of motivation.

If you want to feel inspired, learn practical tools, and hear powerful stories, follow and listen to On Purpose on Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

I’ve already given you a fair amount of homework above, so let’s keep this one simple.

Try this: Think about the journal prompts above. Think about what you’re grateful for, what you’re excited about, and what you’re hopeful for. Then choose one word for 2026.

It could be “Hope.” Or “Joy.” Or “Soar.” Whatever word matches the year you want to step into.

Real growth happens when learning turns into action.

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With expert-led programs in AI, data, business strategy, and digital skills, Udacity focuses on real-world application, not academic theory. You learn at your own pace through hands-on projects designed to strengthen problem-solving, decision-making, and confidence with modern tools.

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If you’re ready to invest in skills that support relevance, adaptability, and long-term growth, Udacity is a smart place to start.